Are Parents Responsible For Paying For College?

I'm trying to figure out how much financial support I can expect from my parents for college. Legally, are parents expected to pay for college tuition, or is it more about what they choose to contribute? I'm trying to plan my college budget and it would help to know what others typically experience.

While some parents might choose to contribute to their child's college expenses, there is no legal obligation for them to do so. Most families handle this situation differently based on their financial situations and personal beliefs about paying for higher education.

That said, it is important to note that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for U.S students does generally assume that parents will contribute to their children's education, even though it's not required by law. The FAFSA considers your parents' income and assets to determine your Expected Family Contribution (which changed to Student Aid Index as of FAFSA changes in 2023). This figure is used to evaluate your eligibility for need-based federal aid, and colleges can also use it to determine your eligibility for institutional aid.

If a student's parents are unable or unwilling to contribute, the student may explain their situation to the financial aid office at the colleges they are applying to. In certain circumstances, colleges may be willing to evaluate the student as an independent, though this is not common and typically reserved for extreme circumstances.

To better understand how much you can expect your parents to contribute, have a frank conversation with them about their ability and willingness to support your college education. It might be a tough conversation but it could also provide more clarity as you plan your college budget.